Cisco says Tidal's software will help it enable customers to optimize the performance of their business applications and automate operations in real time, which will reduce operational costs. Tidal's software capabilities extend from the server through the network to the desktop.

The company's Intersperse software combines application management, business process tracing, and runtime monitoring across multiple application servers to build a detailed view of SOA applications and environments. The software, Tidal officials say, enables the proactive detection of problems, problem localization, and root-cause analysis. In some cases, it can help IT managers create self-healing capabilities in their SOA deployments.

Intersperse is used by ING Direct, Lehman Brothers, Mizuho Corporate, NYSE, and Omgeo, among others. Tidal has established technology partnerships with Microsoft, Oracle, and SAP for management of those companies' applications.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Cisco's 2009 fiscal year, which closes at the end of July. Tidal Software will become part of the Cisco Advanced Services organization.

This story, "Cisco to buy Tidal Software for $105 million" was originally published by
Network World.

Jim Duffy has been covering technology for over 28 years, 23 at Network World. He covers enterprise networking infrastructure, including routers and switches. He also writes The Cisco Connection blog and can be reached on Twitter @Jim_Duffy and at jduffy@nww.com.